Beneath all science fiction lies a dilemma, one solved by the best storytellers: whether the speculative devices are more interesting than the characters created to experience them.
Author Archives: Matthew Sorrento
Matthew Sorrento
Jeffrey Ford: Tribute to a Mentor
Even students who love writing aren’t thrilled about first-year composition. If not taught well, the classwork and assignments feel routine, like practice with no chance for game time.
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The Freestyle Art of Suzuki – Branded to Kill (1967) and Toyko Drifter (1966)
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Further Thoughts on Howard Hawks’ Scarface (and In Praise of Robin Wood)
Black Death, Lost in its Own Darkness
As in life, some promises are hard to keep onscreen. This is true in the case of Walter Hill’s cult pic The Warriors.
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Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead…Until a Second Act Prize
Director Alexander Payne Retrospective in Philadelphia
Sadly, it’s been a while for Alexander Payne.
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Review: The Names of Love
Picture this: a secluded scientist waits in a checkout line for his new love interest to return with an item. An unusual pickup for him, she had invaded his radio interview about bird flu (he’s an expert) and then asked him to bed when they had drinks.
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Review: L’Amour Fou
A Really Irritable Dream: Scorsese’s "Shutter Island"
De Niro’s long since served as an inspiration to Scorsese – it now appears that the paycheck is the actor’s main motivation. He hasn’t worked for the filmmaker since the 1990s, when the former starred in the powerfully creepy remake of “Cape Fear.” In this film, the director tributed classic crime with a modern, more […]
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An "Extraordinary" Journey for Brendan Fraser
You really can’t blame the guy: when asked about his career, Brendan Fraser ducks the question like “Encino Man” diving into the nearest cave. “The science of chaos rules [my] decisions,” the 41-year-old actor remarked, when the question surfaced during a recent Philadelphia round table. Showing a knack for low comedy as early as “Encino,” […]
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